The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t wait around for the NBA trade deadline chaos - they got to work early and methodically. In a trio of under-the-radar moves, the Thunder quietly reshaped the edges of their roster and added a few more pieces to their ever-growing asset chest.
Let’s break it down.
First, they made a savvy buy-low pickup, bringing in Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers. McCain, a promising young guard, gives Oklahoma City another developmental swing - something this front office has shown a real knack for capitalizing on. With the Thunder’s track record of turning raw potential into rotation-ready talent, this could end up looking like a steal down the line.
They also facilitated a new opportunity for Ousmane Dieng, sending him to the Chicago Bulls. While Dieng had flashes in OKC, consistent minutes were hard to come by on a deep, competitive roster. This move gives him a fresh start and potentially more room to grow, while the Thunder continue to streamline their rotation around their core.
But it’s the third move that might’ve flown furthest under the radar - and it’s the most classically Thunder of them all. Oklahoma City acquired the draft rights to 7-foot-1 center Balsa Koprivica from the Utah Jazz in exchange for cash considerations.
Now, Koprivica isn’t a household name, but he’s no stranger to the pro game. He’s logged 159 games across five seasons overseas, suiting up for BC Partizan Belgrade and Bahcesehir.
In limited minutes - just 13.6 per game - he’s averaged 6.1 points, four rebounds, and one block. That’s decent production for a player still developing in European leagues, especially considering his size and defensive instincts.
Originally selected with the No. 57 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Koprivica had brief Summer League stints with the Detroit Pistons in 2021 and 2022. Since then, his draft rights have bounced around the league - from Detroit to the Clippers, and later involved in the 2024 trade that featured Russell Westbrook and Kris Dunn.
So why does this matter for the Thunder?
Well, it’s not about immediate returns - at least not yet. This is a classic long-view play.
Oklahoma City has shown time and again that they’re willing to stash international talent and wait for the right moment. Just look at Vasilije Micic, who finally made the leap to the NBA after years of speculation and development overseas.
Koprivica could follow a similar path if the Thunder see enough upside to bring him over.
And if not? No harm done.
It’s a low-risk move for a team that’s made a living off collecting and cultivating assets. Whether Koprivica ever suits up in a Thunder jersey or not, this is the kind of forward-thinking, no-stone-unturned move that’s helped OKC quietly build one of the most flexible and promising rosters in the league.
Bottom line: the Thunder didn’t make headlines with these deals, but they didn’t need to. They stayed true to their blueprint - smart, calculated moves that keep the future wide open.